We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ramya Kumaraswamy. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Ramya, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
One of the most misunderstood things about goGLOW is this:
People think we’re “just a spray tan.”
But the truth?
We’re a skin-first, wellness-focused glow experience, powered by clean beauty, pro artistry, and a belief that confidence isn’t just about how you look, but how you feel in your skin.
Here’s what makes goGLOW different, and where the misunderstanding lies:
💡 Misunderstood: “It’s just for events or vanity.”
Reality: goGLOW is self-care.
We’re redefining what a spray tan can be: not for occasions, but for everyday radiance. Think of it as a wellness ritual, clean, hydrating, and confidence-boosting, with skin-loving ingredients that nourish while you glow.
🧴 Misunderstood: “A spray tan is bad for your skin.”
Reality: Not this one.
goGLOW uses only the highest-grade DHA and organic, toxin-free formulas. No parabens, no alcohols, no fragrance cover-ups. Our solutions are skin-safe, dermatologist-approved, and even safe during pregnancy. It’s skincare with glow, not a beauty shortcut.
🧑🎨 Misunderstood: “Anyone can do this.”
Reality: We’re trained artists, not machines.
Each glow is customized to your unique tone, lifestyle, and vibe, no booths, no one-size-fits-all. It’s luxury meets artistry.
✨ Misunderstood: “It’s temporary, so it’s not worth it.”
Reality: Confidence now changes everything.
Just like getting your nails done, going to Pilates, or doing a breathwork session, the glow may fade, but the feeling of taking care of yourself? That lingers.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
We are Ramya Kumaraswamy and Kunal Vanjara, owners of goGLOW Austin Westlake.
goGLOW isn’t just a spray tan, it’s a skin-first, self-care ritual for busy, radiant humans. We launched goGLOW with one mission: to give our Austin community a luxe, clean, confidence-boosting glow experience rooted in wellness, not vanity.
After years in marketing and building brands that serve others, I wanted to create something that celebrates the everyday ritual of caring for yourself, something fast, indulgent, hyper-personalized, and good for your skin. Our solutions are made with the highest quality DHA and skin-loving ingredients, so your glow isn’t just beautiful, it’s healthy.
What makes goGLOW special is the intention behind every appointment. We serve CEOs, yogis, high schoolers, new moms, grooms, and golfers, because feeling amazing in your own skin shouldn’t be reserved for special occasions.
Right now, we’re growing our presence in Austin and building community partnerships through local pop-ups, wellness events, and school fundraisers. Our focus is on redefining beauty and glow culture, making it inclusive, clean, and full of joy.
If you’ve ever wanted to glow just because, we’re here for it. And we can’t wait to meet you 💫
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Becoming a parent changed everything.
It shifted my definition of success, beauty, and purpose. Suddenly, life wasn’t just about building a career or chasing the next milestone, it became about legacy, about what we model for the next generation.
I saw firsthand how easily women, especially moms, put themselves last. How we apologize for taking up space, for being “too much,” or needing care. That was a turning point for me. I realized that creating space for women to feel seen, supported, and celebrated wasn’t a luxury, it was a necessity.
That’s what inspired goGLOW.
I wanted to build something where people could reconnect with themselves, even for just 20 minutes. Where confidence wasn’t about contour, but about care. Where we could feel beautiful and powerful, no filter needed.
That moment reframed everything for me. Now, I approach my business, my relationships, and my impact with the belief that how we care for ourselves changes how we show up in the world.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You are not too much.
Your big dreams, loud laugh, wild ideas, deep feelings, they are not a flaw. They are your fire. Protect that fire. Let it light the way for others.
You won’t always fit in, and that’s a gift. You were never meant to shrink to fit someone else’s version of “enough.” You were meant to build something bold, beautiful, and entirely your own.
Trust your gut. Love your skin. And don’t wait for permission to shine.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
1. Look at the why, not just the what
Fads often respond to hype. Foundational shifts solve real problems or fulfill unmet needs. If the trend is built around external validation (likes, virality, aesthetics), it might fade. If it’s driven by internal transformation (health, empowerment, sustainability), it likely has staying power.
Example: At goGLOW, we’ve seen plenty of buzzy skincare trends, but we anchor around why people glow, confidence, self-care, clean beauty, not just what they use.
2. Watch behavior, not buzz
Fads spike. Shifts sustain. If people are changing habits, routines, or identities (e.g., shifting from tanning beds to organic sunless glow), that’s a signal. Look for behavior that sticks even after the hype dies down.
3. Evaluate the ecosystem
Foundational shifts create ripples, they spawn new services, tools, regulations, or business models. If an idea builds an ecosystem (think clean beauty, plant-based eating, AI in CX), it’s more than a moment.
4. Listen to the quiet signals
Sometimes the loudest trends aren’t the deepest. What are your customers, not influencers asking for? What do your team and community feel excited to stand behind? Go beyond what’s trending and listen to what’s transforming.
5. Gut check: does it align with your brand’s DNA?
For us at goGLOW, the true filter is: Does this make people feel good in their skin? Does it build confidence and community? Does it stand for more than aesthetics? If yes, it’s worth exploring. If no, it’s probably just noise.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had only 10 years left, I’d stop doing three things immediately, and I think these can resonate deeply with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, creators, and caregivers alike:
1. Stop saying yes out of guilt
No more “obligation yeses.” No more performing for appearances or overcommitting out of fear of disappointing others. Time is too sacred. I’d start saying yes to alignment and no to appeasement, every time.
2. Stop waiting for permission
I’d stop waiting to be “ready” to launch, to write, to rest, to travel, to say “I love you,” to build bold things. I’d stop seeking permission to live fully, laugh loudly, or glow unapologetically. The clock is ticking… why wait?
3. Stop playing it small to make others comfortable
No more dimming the light to fit in rooms I’ve outgrown. No more second-guessing dreams because someone else might not get it. I’d go all-in on what sets my soul on fire and bring others with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://goglow.co/austin-westlake
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goglow_westlake/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/goglow
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61573971963974
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/goglow-austin
